15 College Financial Aid Resources

Now that more students than ever before are looking for support to help them pay for college, it’s increasingly important that you understand the financial aid process and what you need to do to maximize your chances of receiving sufficient financial aid. Check out our guides below to learn everything you need to know about applying for financial aid in college.

FAFSA, CSS Profile, IDOC, Oh My: A Guide to Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid can be almost as involved as the college process itself. The CollegeVine blog post FAFSA, CSS Profile, IDOC, Oh My: A Guide to Financial Aid offers an introduction to the terms and processes involved in college financial aid programs.

What Information Will I Need to Complete the FAFSA?

If you’re applying for financial aid, you probably know that you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA. The blog post What Information Will I Need to Complete the FAFSA? gives you the rundown of what you’ll have to know before you fill it out.

What Does It Mean to Be Independent on the FAFSA?

The terminology can be confusing on the FAFSA. Find out what it takes to be considered “independent” and the implications of this designation in What Does It Mean to Be Independent on the FAFSA?

The Ultimate Guide to Filling Out the FAFSA

This guide offers information on how to complete the FAFSA. Find out everything you need to know about the application in the blog post The Ultimate Guide to Filling Out the FAFSA.

How to Evaluate, Compare, and Leverage Financial Aid Offers

Now that you’ve received your acceptances and financial aid offers, how do you decide among them? Learn what factors you should be considering and how to maximize your final award in How to Evaluate, Compare, and Leverage Financial Aid Offers.

Can I Appeal My Financial Aid Award?

Is it possible to get a more generous financial aid offer than you originally did? Find out how this is possible in Can I Appeal My Financial Aid Award?

You Were Accepted to Your Dream College But Can’t Afford It… Now What?

What happens if you get into your top choice school but can’t pay for it? Learn about the next steps and what you can do to make college financially feasible in You Were Accepted to Your Dream College But Can’t Afford It… Now What?

How Does Work Study Work?

Chances are good that work study will be part of your financial aid package. But what does that mean? The CollegeVine blog post How Does Work Study Work? gives you the ins and outs.

What You Need to Know for a Successful Scholarship Season

Both need-based and merit scholarships can be helpful in paying for college. The blog post What You Need to Know for a Successful Scholarship Season provides some pointers on getting started with scholarship applications.

Helpful Scholarship Resources and Tips

Where should you look for scholarships? The post Helpful Scholarship Resources and Tips is a good place to start.

The Complete Guide to Fee Waivers in the College Application Process

If you need help obtaining waivers for the fees associated with applications, check out The Complete Guide to Fee Waivers in the College Application Process.

How Do I Get Started Saving Money for College?

Even if you receive a decent financial aid award, it’s still a good idea to save your own money for additional support. The blog post How Do I Get Started Saving Money for College? offers some tips for for bulking up your piggy bank.

Financial Aid: Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware Admissions

Will colleges consider your need for financial aid in your admissions decision? Learn about the terminology surrounding financial aid and what it means for you in Financial Aid: Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware Admissions.

3 Ways Your Guidance Counselor Can Help You for College Admissions

Often, your guidance counselor can be a good resource for clarifying financial aid lingo and helping you with all the necessary paperwork. Find out about how he or she can help you in 3 Ways Your Guidance Counselor Can Help You for College Admissions.

Financial Aid Application Through a Parent Lens

Whether you are a student working with your parents on applying for financial aid or a parent wondering how you can best help your child with the process, the CollegeVine blog post Financial Aid Application Through a Parent Lens is a great resource for information and tips.

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